The Dundee derby is one of the biggest fixtures in Scotland and this one has the makings of being very special. Dundee United are setting the pace at the top of the Championship but Dundee are unbeaten themselves and will prove a stubborn opponent.

Dundee United Preview – Can leaders continue 100% record with a fourth straight win?

It was heartache for Dundee United in the playoffs last season when losing out on penalties to St Mirren in the final. That defeat consigned them to another season at this level. They will feel this is their best chance of winning the title. Robbie Neilson has been backed in the transfer market over the summer with the notable signing of Lawrence Shankland. Last season’s top scorer in the Championship was a significant coup from Ayr United having had offers from England. Shankland has not wasted any time in showing just why he was so sought after with seven goals in three league games. A top striker at this level goes a long way and if Dundee United can perform to a similar standard as last year, with the addition of Shankland’s goals, then they will go very close to winning the league.

A 4-1 win over Inverness sent out a warning to the rest of the league and they have since beaten both Partick Thistle and Dunfermilne on their travels. It’s been the perfect start for United and their manager Robbie Neilson but it’s only just that, a start. The visit of neighbours Dundee will be another big test so early in the campaign. It will give us an indication if they are capable of dealing with the pressure of being title favourites.

Dundee Preview – Will unbeaten Dark Blues upset their neighbours and close the gap on them?

It was a disastrous season from start to finish for Dundee last term that eventually ended in relegation. Expectations are still high that the Dens Park club can bounce back at the first time of asking and started the campaign as second favourites for the title. James McPake has added some quality in the summer with a view to challenging United. It may not have been as sparkling a start as their rivals but they will be relatively pleased with his things have went thus far. Dundee rescued a point on the opening day of the season away to Dunfermilne having gone two goals down. A narrow 1-0 win at home to Ayr United is their only league win so far having drawn with Inverness last time out.

Five points from three games will be satisfactory for McPake but he knows tomorrow’s game will be the acid test. Maintaining their unbeaten record in the league will be the least they will be hoping for. However, all three points would have the ability to build a real confidence and belief amongst the squad and with what’s ahead.

Key-Facts – Dundee v Dundee United

Dundee United have had a great start to the new season and are looking for a fourth straight win to continue setting the pace

Following relegation last season it has been a steady enough start for Dundee who are unbeaten after three matches

This will be the first league meeting between the two Dundee rivals in three years and it is eagerly anticipated

Dundee v Dundee United Betting Advice

This will be the first time Dundee United have faced Dundee in the league since May 2016. That particular game is infamous as a win for the blue half of the city was enough enough to relegate United – a victory they took huge satisfaction from. They just didn’t think they would suffer the same fate a couple of years later.

There is plenty riding on this game even this early in the season. Dundee would love nothing more than to end their rivals’ 100% start to the season. For the hosts it’s all about continuing their excellent start to the campaign and staying top.

Dundee have shown how well organised they can be in the last couple of leagues games with two clean sheets. Dundee United certainly have goals in them but this being a derby game it will be played at a frenetic pace. That may see a reduction in quality and I’m inclined to take under 2.5 goals as a result.

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* All mentioned odds were valid at the time of writing. Betting odds are subject to fluctuations. Please check the current odds with the respective bookmaker!